Hamburger Meat And Spinach Stuffed Peppers

Name: Hamburger Meat And Spinach Stuffed Peppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers (any color); 1 lb ground beef; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), drained; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Highlighted under: Seasons of Comfort

I love making Hamburger Meat and Spinach Stuffed Peppers because they are a perfect blend of savory flavors and nutritious ingredients. Each bite is packed with tender ground beef, fresh spinach, and fragrant spices, all enveloped in a sweet and crunchy bell pepper. It's not just a meal; it's a delightful experience that can brighten up any weekday dinner or impress guests. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some veggies for those picky eaters! Let’s get started on this delicious recipe!

Created by

Chantel Rivers

Last updated on 2026-02-27T14:37:34.795Z

When I first tried making these stuffed peppers, I was amazed at how the flavors melded together so beautifully. The combination of seasoned ground beef and fresh spinach creates a hearty filling that makes the bell peppers shine. I also discovered that adding a touch of grated cheese on top adds a lovely melted layer that enhances the overall taste. This recipe not only satisfies my cravings but also brings a burst of color to the dinner table!

One key tip I learned is to pre-cook the peppers slightly before stuffing them. This ensures they are tender and ready to absorb all the delicious flavors during baking. By the end of the cooking time, the peppers become a perfect vessel for the savory filling, making every bite a celebration of taste and texture.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Savory ground beef and fresh spinach create a delightful filling.
Each bell pepper adds a hint of sweetness, balancing the flavors perfectly.
Perfect for meal prep and can be easily frozen for future meals.

Prepare Your Peppers for Stuffing

When selecting bell peppers, choose large, firm ones that feel heavy for their size. This ensures they can hold up during baking while also providing enough room for a generous amount of filling. I like to cut the tops off at an angle to create a 'hat' that can sit back on top after stuffing, making it visually appealing.

After removing the seeds and membranes, consider blanching the peppers in boiling water for 3-5 minutes before stuffing. This softens their texture and enhances the sweetness, making the final dish even more delicious. If you prefer a firmer bite, skip this step and stick to raw peppers, which will maintain a nice crunch.

Cooking the Filling to Perfection

For the filling, cooking the onions and garlic until they are translucent and fragrant is key to building depth in flavor. This base will complement the savory notes from the ground beef. Avoid browning the garlic too much, as it can turn bitter and impact the flavor of your filling.

When adding spinach to the skillet, cook it just until it wilts down, around 2-3 minutes. Overcooking spinach can reduce its flavor and create too much moisture, which can make your filling soggy. If you find your filling is too wet after adding the tomatoes, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to evaporate some excess liquid.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These stuffed peppers can be served with a side salad or some crusty bread, soaking up any extra juices from the dish. For those seeking a heartier meal, add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil right before serving.

Feel free to customize the filling based on your preferences! Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or add in black beans for added protein and fiber. You can also mix in grains like quinoa for a gluten-free twist, enhancing the dish's nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh and hearty ingredients to make your delicious stuffed peppers!

Stuffed Peppers Ingredients

4 large bell peppers (any color)
1 lb ground beef
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cooked rice
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), drained
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Once you have all your ingredients, you're ready to start cooking!

Instructions

Following these steps will guide you through making your stuffed peppers perfectly!

Prepare the Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Place them upright in a baking dish.

Cook the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, followed by the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

Stuff the Peppers

Spoon the filling mixture into each bell pepper, packing it tightly. Top with shredded cheese.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can incorporate different spices or herbs into the filling, or substitute the ground beef for turkey or veggie crumbles!

Meal Prep and Storage

Hamburger Meat and Spinach Stuffed Peppers are ideal for meal prep. You can prepare them up to a day in advance, storing the stuffed peppers uncooked in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, simply remove them from the fridge and increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes.

If you want to make a larger batch, these stuffed peppers freeze beautifully. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, just thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your stuffed peppers seem to fall over in the baking dish, you can trim the bottoms slightly to create a flat surface. This will help them stand upright without tipping over. Additionally, if they overflow with filling, simply mound the extra mixture around them, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Should you find your peppers are undercooked after baking, cover them with foil and return them to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the moisture in while allowing the peppers to soften, so you'll have that perfect tender texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

→ What can I substitute for ground beef?

You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian option.

→ Can I freeze the stuffed peppers?

Absolutely! You can freeze uncooked stuffed peppers or cooked ones. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or corn to the filling for more variety and nutrition.